New Law for Philadelphia Landlords
What is the Certificate of Rental Suitability?
In February 2006, the City of Philadelphia issued a new law that requires a landlord to certify that the rental unit is suitable for living. It is also a way for the City to ensure that a landlord has purchased his/her Business Privilege License and Rental License.
The law requires that a landlord give the tenant the following documents:
1. Certificate of Rental Suitability (cannot be issued more than 60 days prior to move-in)
2. Owner’s attestation that the unit is suitable for dwelling (attestation is a written, signed, and notarized statement)
3. “City of Philadelphia Partners for Good Housing” Handbook
What does “suitability” mean?
1. The landlord has obtained all necessary licenses for the unit (Rental License, Business Privilege License, and any required Zoning permits)
2. The unit does not have outstanding License & Inspection (L & I) violations
3. The unit has working fire extinguishers and smoke detectors
4. The unit is free from health defects (ie. lead paint)
5. The owner will maintain these requirements while the unit is occupied
What is on the Certificate?
1. The property’s Rental License number
2. The date of the last inspection conducted by L & I. (The Department has not stated whether inspections will be required for all Certificate applications)
3. The applicable zoning designation (C2, R2, etc.)
4. An explanation about how a tenant may request that L & I further inspect the property for violations
What are the penalties for not obtaining the Certificate?
1. L &I may issue a fine (the amount has not been determined) if the landlord fails to comply within 30 days after the notice
2. The landlord cannot collect rent while he/she is noncompliant
3. The landlord cannot evict tenant while he/she is noncompliant
4. The tenant can sue landlord to compel him/her to comply with this law
Effective: Now but applications will not be available until September 18th.
Cost: $25 per rental unit
Please call or email me anytime. I am happy to answer your questions.
Sharmil McKee
Attorney
215-242-5260 or sm@mckeeoffice.com